TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's popular chain Louisa Coffee (路易莎) announced a price increase of NT$5 (approximately US$0.15) on select coffee beverages effective Monday (April 7), citing escalating costs of international coffee beans, raw materials, and packaging supplies. The price adjustment extends beyond beverages to retail products including coffee beans and filter coffee boxes, representing an overall cost increase of approximately 2% across their product line.
The company explained in a Sunday statement that the decision came reluctantly after prolonged efforts to absorb rising coffee futures prices internally. According to Louisa Coffee, the persistent upward trend in global coffee bean markets and related supply chain expenses ultimately made the price adjustment unavoidable. The new pricing structure will impact most coffee beverages, smoothies, and the chain's Italian chocolate offerings, while several specialty items — including Australian piccolo lattes, strong piccolo cappuccinos, and traditional espressos—will maintain their current price points.
Retail products will see modest increases under the new pricing strategy. A quarter-pound package of coffee beans will rise by NT$5 (US$0.15), while half-pound packages will increase by NT$10 (US$0.30). The company's popular filter coffee boxes, including both classic blends and premium series options, will experience a NT$5 (US$0.15) price adjustment. Despite these changes, Louisa Coffee emphasized its commitment to customer value by maintaining promotional campaigns, highlighting this week's "Spring Happiness" (春日送幸福) special that offers an 85% discount when purchasing five identical beverages.
Louisa Coffee's announcement follows similar moves by competitors in Taiwan's competitive coffee market. Starbucks (星巴克) implemented its own price adjustments nearly two months earlier on Feb. 12, attributing the increases — which ranged from NT$5 (US$0.15) to NT$10 (US$0.30) across their product lineup — to climate-related challenges and international market pressures. Not all chains are following suit, however, as local competitor Cama Café has indicated it currently has no plans to modify its pricing structure.
